12×12 Canopy

One of the things that make the summer months so special is spending a quiet Sunday afternoon in the back yard, grilling steaks or just stretched out on a lawn chair enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Of course, sunshine is most enjoyable (and safest) when received in relatively small doses. This is where a 12x12 canopy system becomes a useful and attractive centerpiece to anyone's outdoor lifestyle.

12x12 sun canopy models come in a variety of colors and styles. Mechanisms range from interlocking pole sections, requiring hand assembly, to scissoring frame pieces that merely need to be pulled apart and locked into place. A general rule of thumb is that, the heavier a canopy is, the more sturdy and durable both the frame and fabric will be. Most canopy systems are portable and include tie down ropes and ground stakes to hold them in place against a strong wind, but some are designed for semi-permanent placement and can be secured to the ground or patio surface all season. Semi-permanent canopies often feature heavy wood or wrought iron corner supports that create an almost gazebo-like feeling. Some higher-end canopies also feature bug screens and side curtains for additional protection from the elements.

While the cover material is available in a number of different colors, portable canopy frames are usually white, allowing them to mingle inoffensively with any type of outdoor furniture you choose. Whether you opt for traditional teak garden chairs with green covers or wild red metal loungers with hot pink cushions, clashing with your canopy will never be an issue. Garden canopies also create a focal point to your outdoor setting that can be decorated in a variety of ways to further show your individual style. The steel frame pieces provide an excellent mounting point for cloth streamers, strings of outdoor lights, or anything else your imagination can come up with. If you don't have convenient electricity to your back yard, the steel frame provides an excellent mounting surface for the wide variety of magnetic, battery-powered camping and garden lights on the market. One word of warning: do not use your canopy over even a small fire pit as the hot gasses from the flame can badly damage the material in short order.

Whichever style you choose, a 12x12 canopy will provide years of comfortable lounging. Modern fabrics are highly resistant to tears and sun fading, but when they do finally reach the end of their useful life, a replacement fabric cover can often be purchased separately, allowing you to re-use the original frame for a significant cost savings.